Lewis Hamilton risks controversy after appearing to support 'grid girls' return at Monaco GP

Hamilton published, then deleted, a post on his Instagram appearing to support the return of ‘grid girls’ at the iconic race

Owners Liberty Media announced in January that they would stop using female models and replace them with ‘grid kids’ (Getty)

Lewis Hamilton has risked controversy by backing the return of ‘grid girls’ at the Monaco Grand Prix after officials indicated they plan to defy Formula One’s decision to scrap the outdated tradition.

Hamilton published, then deleted, a post on his Instagram appearing to support the return of ‘grid girls’ at the famous race, held on 27 May.

The defending world champion shared a screenshot showing news of the potential U-turn, adding the message: "Thank you Jesus."

Owners Liberty Media announced in January that they would stop using female models and replace them with ‘grid kids’ amid mounting pressure to end the practice, which was seen as antiquated and sexist.

But Michel Boeri, head of the Monaco GP, revealed this weekend that the iconic race on the Mediterranean coastline would still feature ‘grid girls’ – though insisted he still has a good relationship with Formula One’s owners.

He said: "They understand that Monaco is not Spa, or Monza. We've had no problems with Liberty Media. Except for the grid girls issue.

"They'll be there on the grid, but they won't be holding any name-boards. They're pretty - and the cameras will be on them once again."

Monaco’s move comes as Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Kozak indicated his desire to bring the models back for the Sochi GP in September, arguing it was “wrong” to bring children onto the track because they would be “scared”.

(Lewis Hamilton instagram (Lewis Hamilton instagram)

Mr Kozak, who is on the Russian grand prix organising committee, was quoted as saying: "Here it should be adults.

"In all forms of motor sport there are girls advertising cars harmoniously and pleasantly.

"If we manage to reach agreement we plan to reinstate this tradition. After all, our girls are the most beautiful."

F1 managing director of commercial operations Sean Bratches said that the use of ‘grid girls’ was "clearly at odds with modern day societal norms", adding: "We don't believe the practice is appropriate or relevant to Formula 1 and its fans, old and new, across the world."